Politics · Other · 1 hr ago
Sisi seeks parliament's approval to defend Saudi Arabia if asked
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asked parliament to approve action to defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom asks for help.
He said Egypt was not seeking to attack anyone and would act in defence.
His request comes amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and escalating fighting in Yemen.
The Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are close partners, and Egypt joined a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015.
Egypt’s parliament scheduled an emergency session for Sunday to consider Sisi’s request, but it did not disclose the agenda.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asked parliament to authorize action to defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requests it.
He said any Egyptian action would be defensive and not intended to attack or wage war against anyone.
Egypt’s parliament announced an emergency session for Sunday in response to his request.
The request comes as Saudi Arabia faces attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.
- Who
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asked parliament for authorization.
- What
- He sought approval to take action to defend Saudi Arabia if asked. He said any action would be defensive.
- When
- Saturday, October 17, 2026. Parliament announced an emergency session for Sunday.
- Where
- Cairo, Egypt; Sisi made the request at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia is facing Houthi attacks, and Sisi said Egypt was prepared to defend the kingdom if asked.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Sisi to discuss issues including security and Red Sea navigation.
Sisi asked parliament to authorize action to defend Saudi Arabia if requested.
Parliament announced a plenary session for 1 p.m. on Sunday in response to Sisi’s request.
- Requested authorization
- Egyptian Parliament
- Planned session
- 1 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location of Sisi’s remarks
- Egyptian Military Academy, Cairo
- Potential action
- Defense of Saudi Arabia if requested
- Saudi leader named
- King Salman
4 sources
El-Sisi: Egypt ready to take all necessary measures to defend Saudi Arabia
At Sissi’s urging, Egypt parliament to deliberate defending Saudis from Houthi attacks
Egypt's Sisi seeks parliament's backing to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked
El Sisi seeks parliamentary approval to defend Saudi Arabia if asked
What people are saying
It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed
I am not speaking about attacking or waging war. We are seeking only to defend.
Egypt will take any measures necessary to protect and defend Saudi Arabia